Best Asian Appetizers

Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

• Save

Spring rolls, whether fresh or fried, are delicious and simple to prepare, but they’re best made on the day of serving. They make for a fantastic group activity with a variety of ingredients. This Vietnamese-inspired recipe features shrimp, vegetables, herbs, and nước chấm, a fish sauce-based dipping sauce. Recipe from Healthy Nibbles & Bites.

Calories (per roll): 90 Protein: 6.7 grams Carbs: 8.6 grams

Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi

• Save

Banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, typically consists of tender lemongrass pork (substitutable with chicken or tofu), jalapeño, julienned carrot and cucumber, cilantro, and a generous mayo spread. If you can’t find Vietnamese baguettes, consider using sliders to serve them as appetizers. Recipe from Cooking Therapy.

Calories (per sandwich): 586 Protein: 31 grams Carbs: 83 grams

Bo La Lot – Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaf

• Save

This bo la lot recipe or ground beef wrapped in betel leaves is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is eaten during large gatherings. Recipe from Cooking Therapy.

Calories: 171 Protein: 11 grams Carbs: 6 grams

Vietnamese Liver Pâté Recipe

• Save

Pâté is a beloved livery spread for Vietnamese Bánh Mì sandwiches. Make your own pate at home with just a few simple ingredients and take your sandwich to the next level. This recipe makes about 2 cups. Recipe from Vicky Pham.

Calories: 143 Protein: 11 grams Carbs: 6 grams

Vietnamese Shrimp Mousse On Sticks (Chao Tom)

• Save

Vietnamese Shrimp on Sticks (Chạo Tôm) consists of flavorful shrimp mousse wrapped around lemongrass or sugarcane sticks. It is a tasty appetizer for daily meals or parties. Recipe from Delightful Plate.

Calories: 91 Protein: 15 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Low-carb Indian Vegetable Samosas

• Save

Most fried appetizers come with a high carb count, but this recipe transforms the classic deep-fried potato dumpling from India into a keto-friendly snack with a creamy cauliflower filling. Recipe from Simply So Healthy.

Calories (per samosa): 155 Protein: 10 grams Carbs: 5 grams

Air Fryer Pakora

• Save

Pakora is traditionally a deep-fried finger food from India mostly consisting of vegetables (in this instance, onion) with flavor from a carefully chosen blend of warm spices. Serve with a homemade chutney for the most impressive final product. Recipe from Piping Hot Curry.

Calories (per recipe): 171 Protein: 8 grams Carbs: 27 grams

Tandoori Chicken Wings

• Save

Wings, while undoubtedly an excellent choice for a main dish, also make for an appetizer that captures both hearts and palates. These wings have been expertly marinated in a zesty, Indian-inspired Tandoori yogurt blend. Recipe from Spice Cravings.

Calories (per 4 chicken wings): 558 Protein: 44 grams Carbs: 7 grams

Crispy Onion Bhaji

• Save

Golden, light, and perfectly crispy Indian onion bhajis made from scratch. A great gluten-free and vegan snack or starter. Recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen.

Calories (per): 104 Protein: 2 grams Carbs: 6 grams

Scallion Bing or Chinese Flatbread

• Save

This Chinese dish also known as qiāng bǐng is super simple with a short list of ingredients, but a tricky texture to master. The end result is flaky, chewy, and aromatic. Recipe from The Foodie Takes Flight.

Calories (per 8-inch pancake): 701 Protein: 18 grams Carbs: 98 grams

Peking Duck Pancakes

• Save

Crafting a beloved restaurant classic in the comfort of your home is made simple, showcasing succulent Peking duck breasts paired with delicate pancakes for serving. Perfect the authentic flavors with this recipe. Recipe from Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen.

Calories (per serving): 1,050 Protein: 44 grams Carbs: 68 grams

Pan Fried Steamed Buns (Sheng Jian Bao) Vegan

• Save

Originating in Shanghai, this widely adored street food has found its way into dim sum menus worldwide in various interpretations. You can try your hand at your own with just a handful of simple ingredients, a touch of finesse, and a trusty steamer basket to simplify the process. Recipe from Woon Heng.

Try this recipe with pork for a classic meaty take on bao from The Omnivore’s Cookbook.

Calories (per recipe): 1,190 Protein: 28 grams Carbs: 220 grams

Crispy Vegetable and Pork Spring Rolls

• Save

Most Asian countries have their own version of spring rolls. Your favorite Chinese takeaway add-on is probably similar to this one. Deep-fried packed with thinly shredded veggies and ground pork – what’s not to love? Recipe from Healthy Nibbles and Bits.

Calories (per roll): 140 Protein: 4.5 grams Carbs: 13 grams 

Japanese Inari Sushi

• Save

Inari sushi, a budget-friendly Japanese and Hawaiian delicacy, features cold rice in a fried tofu pocket. This easy, make-ahead dish complements a variety of other recipes due to its simple ingredients. Recipe from The Palatable Life.

Calories (per recipe): 1,327 Protein: 30 grams Carbs: 235 grams

Japanese Pork Gyoza

• Save

Like many of the featured recipes, the dumpling is one with outstanding regional variations across the continent of Asia. This pork dumpling is inspired by Japanese culinary tradition, steamed then pan-fried to crispy golden perfection. Recipe from Salt Sugar Magic.

Calories (per dumpling): 46 Protein: 1.5 grams Carbs: 4.5 grams

Chicken Yakitori Skewers

• Save

These easy skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue starter or main because you can toss them on the grill. The yakitori flavor stems from a sweet and savory sauce with mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and of course – soy sauce. Recipe from Jessica Gavin.

Calories (per serving): 308 Protein: 21 grams Carbs: 30 grams

Seared Ahi Tuna Tataki

• Save

Ahi in any fashion is an impressive delicacy to serve. This seared tataki dish is beautifully presented with a melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Recipe from Kitchen Confidante.

Calories (per serving): 503 Protein: 32 grams Carbs: 9 grams

Crispy Thai Fish Cakes

• Save

Prepare these delectable Thai-flavored fish cakes, coated in crispy panko, in advance and store them in the freezer for convenient entertaining or a quick and satisfying lunch. Pair them with the delightful chili aioli recipe or your preferred spicy sauce. Recipe from Dishing Out Health.

Try this vegan version from Domestic Gothess if you prefer eating plant-based.

Calories (per two cakes): 340 Protein: 21 grams Carbs: 23 grams

Thai Tom Yum Meatballs

• Save

Meatballs make a fantastic addition to any gathering. These Thai meatballs are skillfully seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, evoking the flavors of a classic tom yum soup. They are perfect bite-sized delights to serve with toothpicks. Recipe from Simply Suwanee.

Calories (per 4 pieces): 164 Protein: 19 grams Carbs: 7.5 grams

Keto Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Sauce

• Save

There are many regional varieties of chicken satay which is essentially a spicy chicken cooked on skewers and served with dipping sauce. Flavorings, thickness of meat, and the type of meat will vary. This low-carb version takes inspiration from my favorite components of the dish.

Try it with tofu in this vegan satay recipe from Darn Good Veggies.

Calories (per skewer): 312 Protein: 32.4 grams Carbs: 6.2 grams 

Coconut Sriracha Cashews

• Save

If you’re looking for the snack of champions, you can’t look past these coconut sriracha cashews. Golden, sticky, and with that addictive hum of heat, everyone will go nuts for these moreish marvels. Recipe from Marion’s Kitchen.

Try it with this coconut sriracha stovetop popcorn.

Napa Cabbage Kimchi

• Save

Kimchi, a Korean culinary staple, has earned its popularity for a compelling reason. This fermented cabbage delight is remarkably easy to master and brings a tantalizing tanginess that elevates a wide range of dishes, be it paired with meat skewers, stirred into fried rice, or enjoyed as a simple side. Recipe from My Korean Kitchen.

Calories (per recipe): 136 Protein: 9 grams Carbs: 37 grams

Epic Gimbap

• Save

Gimbap or kimbap is a sushi-inspired roll from Korea with veggies, egg, and a thinner layer of rice than most Japanese sushi rolls. This plant-based version doesn’t skip a beat. Though this recipe takes some effort, it’s well worth it! Recipe from Seonkyoung Longest.

Calories (per serving): 500 Protein: 18 grams Carbs: 80 grams

Crispy Kimchi Pancake With Dipping Sauce

• Save

These Korean-inspired keto kimchi pancakes with dipping sauce are loaded with flavor, lower in carb, and much easier to make than scallion pancakes. Recipe from I Heart Umami.

Calories (per serving): 163 Protein: 5 grams Carbs: 8 grams

Korean Spicy Chicken (Paleo)

• Save

These Korean spicy chicken are pan-fried and coated in a mouthwatering spicy, sweet, and savory Korean sauce. 

Calories (per serving): 401 Protein: 43.3 grams Carbs: 21.5 grams

Taiwanese Egg Crepe Rolls (Dan Bing)

• Save

This Taiwanese recipe is a great breakfast, but it works as an appetizer too. Cut the crepe into bites and serve with toothpicks. This can be served hot or cold. Recipe from Foodie Baker.

Calories (per crepe): 229 Protein: 10 grams Carbs: 33 grams

Taiwanese Fried Chicken

• Save

If you’re a fan of popcorn chicken, you’re in for a treat with this Taiwanese street food recipe. When cooking for guests, rest assured that the universally beloved fried chicken, with its irresistibly crunchy texture, will disappear in no time. Recipe from Two Plaid Aprons.

Calories (per serving): 415 Protein: 45 grams Carbs: 39 grams

Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns (Gua Bao)

• Save

Gua Bao is a dim sum classic featuring delicious braised pork belly stuffed into fluffy bao buns for a tasty traditional treat. Recipe from Omnivore’s Cookbook.

Calories (per serving): 257 Protein: 16.2 grams Carbs: 7.4 grams

Taiwanese Beef Rolls

• Save

Taiwanese beef rolls consist of sliced braised beef, wrapped with hoisin sauce, scallion, and cucumber in a crispy, flaky scallion pancake. Recipe from The Woks Of Life.

Calories (per serving): 332 Protein: 18 grams Carbs: 19 grams

Shrimp Fritters (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

• Save

Inspired by Japanese seafood pancakes, these shrimp or prawn fritters with green onions and Sriracha mayo are a hit as finger food or a main.

Calories (per serving): 106 Protein: 5.5 grams Carbs: 4.8 grams

Sticky Pulled Pork Sliders

• Save

Pulled pork sliders are the ultimate party bite. Juicy, sticky, super tender pulled pork is piled onto soft buns and paired with a crunchy slaw, creamy aioli, and sweet chili jam. They’re easy and perfect for prepping ahead of time. Recipe from Dished By Kate.

Asian Salmon Cucumber Bites

• Save

These are so easy to make and perfect for entertaining using only 5 ingredients. Recipe from Jeanette’s Healthy Living.

Asian-Inspired Antipasto Board

• Save

Whether you call it a cheese board or plate, all that matters for this cheesy twist is that it’s piled high with a variety of Asian-inspired bites. Recipe from Foodie Crush.

Asian Buffalo Wings Recipe

• Save

Buffalo wings… but Asian. Here’s how to make spicy chicken wings with an Asian fusion twist – the perfect appetizer or party plate. Recipe from Marion’s Kitchen.

Asian Steak Bites

• Save

Easy to make Asian Steak Bites that are ready in 15 minutes! These tender and juicy steak bites are perfect as an appetizer or as a meal. Recipe from Jo Cooks.

Calories (per serving): 288 Protein: 24 grams Carbs: 11 grams

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

• Save

Calling all cheeseburger and spring roll lovers – this crispy cheeseburger spring rolls recipe is about to blow your taste buds away! Recipe from Casually Peckish.

Calories (per serving): 131 Protein: 5 grams Carbs: 10 grams

Chinese Deviled Eggs

• Save

Give a holiday classic a surprising twist with these Chinese deviled eggs that are bursting with exciting flavors to shake things up! Recipe from Omnivore’s Cookbook.

Calories (per serving): 112 Protein: 5.7 grams Carbs: 3.6 grams

Asian Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

• Save

Made for sharing, this weekend baking recipe for Asian cheesy pull-apart bread is fluffy, light, and perfect dunked into sweet chili sauce. Recipe from Marion’s Kitchen.

Cheesy Miso Garlic Bread

• Save

This is, hands down, the easiest bread recipe ever – there’s no kneading required. And it’s smothered in cheesy goodness. Recipe from Marion’s Kitchen.